Wave pressures in and under rubble mound breakwaters

Laboratory tests have been conducted to investigate flow motion and pore pressure attenuation within rubble mound breakwater. A typical multi-layered rubble mound was tested in a wave flume under regular and random wave conditions. Measurements of wave pressures have been used to validate semi-theoretical and numerical approaches describing wave damping in porous media. Data are to be used to define a reliable model able to predict the behaviour of porous structures under wave attack. The ultimate aim of the research initiative is to define an innovative design procedure for coastal and maritime structure coupling hydro-dynamic with geotechnical models, and thus to assess the overall structure stability and the foundation soil liquefaction risk.